Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, adversities, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of entering university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be among your greatest concerns. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, beginning with some casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this experience? I realized that it’s always worthwhile to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you’re feeling a bit unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking occasions and events designed to help you connect with fellow students. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people in the program and university, you will surely find individuals who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can sometimes challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Seek help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They sympathize with students and maintain open communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never receive too much assistance!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support functions provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.